Walking out on jobs

I did 4 or 5 long days unpaid on a zombie film at Willie Nelson's ranch and all I've ever seen out of it is (was) the potential to hit a deer while driving in the middle of the night.
 
Patryk_Rebisz said:
Those that are bitching about school clearly receiver really mediocre education or didn't really take the advantage of what school is for. It is NOT to teach you a craft (unless you are going to a trade school to become an electrician or such) but to expand your horizons. Anyone can learn about 3-point lighting but not anyone knows about philosophy behind lighting as for that you need to study philosophy in general first. Anyone can put two clips together in FCP but not anyone understand psychological connection about those two clips as for that you need to study general psychology (or whatever editors study on the side). Yes, you can eventually learn by doing it on actual jobs but actual jobs are just that "actual jobs" thus getting it done is more important then trying to discover the reasons, meanings, connections etc. See the pattern? The trade you can learn easy, the meaning behind it all - takes the real effort.
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I'm with you, Patryk, as far as that goes. I graduated from Oregon State University with a 3.97, got only one B during my last term (ironically in screenwriting, so I'll be happy to prove that guy wrong, lol). I majored in philosophy, which I really enjoyed. I've always been interested in deeper meanings and sort of the themes and ideas that have recurred in works throughout history. I took a lot of political philosophy because my favorite teacher was in that area, and a lot of philosophy of aesthetics, included in that was a class on film and religion, then I did part-time work for the department (working with this teacher) researching the way that critics make judgments about films and what common themes exist. I also took 5 courses in film theory, history, and criticism including on comedy, horror, and the history of worldwide cinema in general. On the side, I ran a review site and reviewed more than 600 films from countries around the world and all eras. I focused as much as I could on the philosophy behind filmmaking and storytelling in general, and also of course on philosophical issues of interest to me.

A lot of people asked why major in philosophy? But actually I found it most relevant to what I wanted to do as a storyteller. Plus I love writing, and philosophy had a lot more writing than even English, although I did also take about 15 credits of writing courses as well. Four years after I graduated, a publicity lady with the College of Liberal Arts called and said that a few of the philosophy professors had been following my career progress down here and they wanted to write a feature article on me, which was published last summer. I was surprised they still remembered me, but I did get straight A's throughout the department and left an impact, apparently!

I found film school to be pointless, however. I learned a few things, but $35,000 for a year of school? And Patryk, it is a trade school. I'm not knocking going to undergrad at USC and majoring in film, great. You should go to college, it broadens your horizons. But LA Film School IS a trade-school, a for-profit institution, made to make money, and it wasn't an impressive experience for me. It was the best decision I made to quit and go it alone, I'm way ahead of where I'd be otherwise. I had thought of going to 3-year graduate school. I would have just graduated, and would have a real student mentality. Instead I'm in the DGA, I run a successful media company with a growing client list, I have directed several music videos, numerous corporate videos, industrials, local commercials, short films, and my first feature film with name actors and veteran producers. My work has been shown in more than 40 festivals and every project I have submitted has won at least one award. So as for film school, I'm not knocking it, but I moved a lot faster than if I had went to a three-year grad school, no doubt about it.
 
That's exactly my point. I'm all for getting a proper education at a real university, but I see film school as a trade school primarily, and not necessarily a good one at that on most occasions.
 
"oh you're an amazing cinematographer, how would you like to direct?"

Personally I think this happens allot...

Cheers
 
Lez,
But one has really nothing to do with another. By being one while being a master at another you diminish the position that you've mastered... Watch some directorial efforts by master DP Janusz Kaminski (that he also shot) - they suck by directing standards and by... DP standards. Without having a great director to challenge himself he creates pleasing images that are just that - pleasing images and nothing more. He's just one of many examples.

DP'ing doesn't lead to successful directing.
 
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